The West Midlands Police Commissioner David Jamieson is concerned that his role could be replaced by an unelected panel chosen by councillors under the new devolution deal set to be approved within days.

The deal, awaiting final approval and announcement from Chancellor George Osborne, would see the Coventry City Council and six other metropolitan councils form the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Coventry would be joined by Birmingham, Solihull, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton to take control of strategic policy areas like economic development, transport and health services - with additional funding devolved from Government.

Eventually it is thought likely a region wide elected mayor will run both the authority and take on the police commissioner role , but until then Mr Jamieson wants to ensure the directly elected police commissioner stays in place.

He said that it is right the police service is included in the Combined Authority deal as good policing can promote safety and security for businesses and boost economic growth.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson (right) and Deputy Chief Constable David Thompson

“As Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands it is my job to produce the budget, set the priorities of West Midlands Police and with the Chief Constable ensure that the public are protected.

"It is also my responsibility to ensure there are proper governance processes in place. As part of that responsibility it is also down to me on behalf of the people of the West Midlands to approve any changes to governance structures.

“However for there to be any changes to policing governance in the West Midlands I need to be satisfied that there is a business case in place to ensure that the police will be held to account.

“The Home Office has been clear that this should only go ahead with the consent, support and confidence of the PCC in the new proposals.

“I set an annual half billion pound budget - the safety of the people of the West Midlands is my paramount priority.

"It is my responsibility to approve any changes to how West Midlands Police are governed and will only do so if I am satisfied that there will be no reduction in the ability of the public to hold the police to account.

“We can’t go back to a system where an opaque panel has authority over the police. It needs a specific leader who can give it the time it deserves.”